Pinpointing And Treating The Source Of Your Allergies

Ragweed is a common allergen.

By Nicholas Lukacs, DO, FAOCO

There is no hiding from them – allergies occur all year round, both in the home and outdoors. Allergens are substances that enter the respiratory system and cause an allergic reaction. Many people suffer from allergens prominent only during certain seasons. Other allergens are present throughout the year. Seasonal allergens include tree pollen in the spring, grass pollen from late spring through summer, and weed pollen in late summer through fall. Year-round allergens, also referred to as perennial allergens, include mold, animal dander (including cat and dog), and dust mites, which can be found in pillows, comforters, mattresses, and blankets. Fluctuations in temperature and moisture in your environment can also affect how prominent these year-round allergens are.

It’s often difficult for patients to determine the exact root cause of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and itchy skin. When medication alone is not effective in relieving allergy symptoms, allergy testing is the next important step in allergy treatment. Allergy testing can determine if a patient truly has allergies, the specific causes of the allergies, and how strong the allergic reactions are to each allergen.

Once the sources of an allergy have been established, the most obvious next step is to try to avoid these allergens. This is usually much easier said than done, especially when the weather is warm and people want to spend more time outdoors. And trying to avoid allergens by washing bedding every night and banishing the family pet to live outside isn’t usually practical. In order to continue enjoying life both indoors and out, many patients find tremendous benefits in allergy immunotherapy.

Allergy immunotherapy can be one of the most effective ways to help manage bothersome allergy symptoms. This process involves gradually exposing patients to increasing doses of the actual allergens that cause the allergic reactions. The goal of the treatment is to change the natural reaction of the immune system and desensitize patients to their allergens. Over time, allergy immunotherapy usually reduces or eliminates the allergic symptoms and the need for ongoing medications.

Historically, patients seeking allergy immunotherapy were limited to allergy shots. While these shots proved to be effective, the inconvenience and time required for regular trips to a doctor’s office made them an unattractive option. An exciting alternative to allergy shots is sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops, which are drops placed under the tongue. Allergy drops are safe for adults and children and can be taken at home, allowing people to avoid frequent trips to the doctor’s office. Allergy drops are an effective way to help build tolerance to allergens.

If you believe you have allergies, it’s vital to undergo allergy testing so you and your doctor can determine the right course of action to find lasting allergy relief.